Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Toyota Highlander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that he noticed that the front and rear driver's side and rear passenger's side carpet were soaked with water. The contact then stated that he also noticed the water had leaked from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that water had entered through the sunroof due to the drain tube being improperly designed. The contact stated that he was concerned because of two visible electrical connectors near the front driver's side floorboard and possible mold, corrosion, and rust. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that he would receive a call back but no response was received. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Hello, to whom it may concern: My 2012 Toyota Highlander Color Pearl White vin [redacted] ) has a repaint recall before Nov 2024. I was told at the dealer that I have to contact the Toyota dealers until I get the opportunity to get it paint. I was told that I had to contact any Toyota dealer until I get a date of acceptance. Thinking that it was not fair to delegate the responsibility on myself I made a few calls until I did get an appointment to get my SUV painted. The recall period is almost over (Nov 2024) I was told and I will put a claim on Toyota Corporation for not making sure all the vehicles are completely painted. I will also put a lawyer to help me get across my claim if I am not informed from Toyota the date that they will work on my SUV with the repaint recall. Respectfully, [redacted]
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side sun visor detached and fell on the contact. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the driver side sun visor to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that in September 2022, the driver's and the passenger's side sun visors detached. The contact took the vehicle to the second local dealer, Capitol Toyota (6800 Automall Pkwy, Gilroy, CA 95020, [phone]) where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the driver's and the passenger's side sun visors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power liftgate on 2012 Toyota Highlander fails to full close and latch. 4 years old now, problem began 2 years ago at 12,000 miles, and now 1 year past 3/36 warranty and 47,000 miles. Liftgate has been completely manual for last 1-1/2 years. Using buttons to close power liftgate results in left side where motor is to be close to closed, while right side has an inch gap to d-pillar. No other reason for me to go to dealership, so I haven't scheduled an appointment. Finally took it in June 6, 2016. Over past 2 years dealer service described solution as simple adjustment. Have asked at least twice "are there any recalls or service bulletins for my Highlander?" answer is always no, including day I took it for "simple adjustment". However recent research finds two recalls and multiple service bulletins for 2008-2012 highlanders. …
On March 19, 2019 around 9:30 pm (dry road condition ' no rain), my husband and I heard a loud explosion outside while we were driving on highway (I-70) going approx. 70 MPH. It sounded like a tire blew out or a gun shot. My husband didn't feel the car was wobbly so we assumed the tires on our car are OK. We were driving on left lane and there was a semi-truck next to us but we didn't see anything happened to the truck and it was moving normal too. However, after that loud explosion, we both noticed the noise coming from the top of the car (noise similar to when the car window is open). I then opened the cover (shade) of the sunroof and saw the sunroof was shattered so quickly closed the cover (shade) back up. Fortunately, the cover was closed when the sunroof shattered so we didn't get hurt from broken glasses. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the front passenger automatic door actuator failed to unlock the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred on three of the four doors. The driver and passenger rear door lock actuators were replaced. The contact was in the process of replacing the front passenger door lock actuator. Colonial Toyota (2600 w pike rd, indiana, pa 15701, [phone]) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Toyota Highlander was crossing intersection with green light and was struck on the middle side by oncoming vehicle running a red light. Toyota Highlander rolled 1.25 times. Toyota Highlander had second row set up in bench configuration with center console unit stowed as manual indicated under center seat. Center console unit dislodged during impact and/or roll and flew through rear passenger area, striking two children on the head and causing head/brain injury (concussion and loss of consciousness).
Rear lift gate opened as I was driving down the highway. Dangerous. Now the door does not work as it is supposed to. I was told directly by another owner that the door does not always lock when closed. What about grandchildren and pets. I cannot use my car as intended. It is a safety concern as I have no idea if or when it will repeat.
While driving on the freeway at 75 MPH I heard a very loud popping noise in the roof of the vehicle. When I pulled off on a side road at 45 MPH, the sunroof exploded, sounding like a shotgun was fired over my head. The cover to the sunroof was open and tiny shards of glass fell into the car and I was picking them out of my hair all day. It was very distressing as I didn't know if someone was shooting at me so I kept driving until I was out of the area. When I felt safe, I stopped the car to inspect the damage and that's when I saw the sunroof glass protruding upwards. There were no other cars around me and nothing overhead. In the attached picture you can see the glass of the sunroof protruding upwards, which could not be the result of an impact from outside of the vehicle. …
Over the course of a few weeks we noticed a significant smell in our car. We have rubber floormats, so did not notice that there was a drainage problem in our A/C condenser. The blockage caused drainage to back up into the body of our vehicle and mold started to grow all over the inside of the vehicle on the carpet underneath the rubber floormats. We later learned that the blockage was caused by a spider web in the A/C condenser drainage tube. I took the car to the dealer and they called Toyota and learned it would not be covered under my extended Toyota care warranty and any costs would have to be paid out of pocket. I just learned that similar model year Toyota vehicles, including the avalon and camry, are under recall due to problems that result from spider webs blocking the A/C condenser drainage tube. …
Body complaints in other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2012 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 2012 Toyota Highlander, 11% of the model year's 182 complaints. The component named most often is body (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Toyota Highlander body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2012 Toyota Highlander, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Highlander body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 4 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.